Internet Computer Use Policy

The West Georgia Regional Library System offers Internet and World Wide Web access in order to more effectively fulfill the educational and informational needs of the Library's patrons.

A valid library card from a library within the West Georgia Regional Library System is required in order to use public access Internet computers. Libraries within the system may require patrons under age 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Patron use of the libraries' computers is on a first come, first serve basis.

Patrons using an Internet computer for chat rooms or other recreational purposes may be asked by library staff to log off if other patrons are waiting to use the computer for educational or research purposes.

The library may choose to recover costs for document printing and diskettes for downloading.

Library staff are eager to help patrons, but levels of experience on the Internet may vary among staff members. Due to library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not be available at all times.

The libraries have no responsibility for the content of information accessed through Internet computers.

Patrons access the Internet at their own discretion. Although many potentially valuable sources of information are located throughout the Internet, some resources and destinations contain material that some patrons may find offensive. Some sites may be inappropriate for children, and it is the responsibility of parents to monitor their child's activity on the Internet. Parents may request that their child (younger than 18 years old) not be allowed to log on to the libraries' Internet computers.

Internet Safety Policy*

In order to comply with the requirements of CIPA (the Children’s Internet Protection Act), it shall be the policy of West Georgia Regional Library to utilize on all public and staff computers Internet filters designed to block access to sites that contain visual depictions and/or information which is unlawful or which may reasonably be construed as being obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as currently defined by law.

 In addition to the provisions of West Georgia Regional Library’s Internet Computer Use Policy (approved 8/19/1997), the following Acceptable Use Rules apply to minors:
  1. Minors, whether or not accompanied by a parent or guardian, shall not use computers for any illegal activity or to access illegal materials, child pornography, obscene materials, or materials “harmful to minors” as currently defined by law.
  2. Minors should NEVER disclose any personal identification information over the Internet.
  3. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for monitoring the use of email, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications by their minor children.
  4. Parents may request that their child (younger than 18 years old) not be allowed to log on to the libraries’ Internet computers.

Misuse of the library computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible criminal prosecution.  Such misuse includes but is not limited to using the computer for illegal activities, hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system, damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software, interfering with the system’s operations, integrity or security, gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files, computer settings, and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.

Rules For Internet Computer Use

Hours of Use
Internet computers at libraries within the West Georgia Regional Library System are available for patron use during normal library operating hours. However, patrons must log off fifteen minutes before closing time.

Sign In
All patrons who wish to use the libraries' Internet computers must present a valid library card and sign in. The following information is required:
-Full Name
-Library Card Number
-Phone Number
-Time of Day

Time Length of Use
Patrons using the libraries' Internet computers are limited to a period of one hour. Patrons may be allowed to use the Internet computer for a period longer than one hour if no other patron is waiting.

Other Software
Only Library software may be installed on the libraries' computers.

Unacceptable Uses of Internet Computers
Following is a list of the types of unacceptable actions or behavior that may result in the limitation or restriction of use of the libraries' Internet computers:

1. Using or viewing profanity, obscenity or language which may be offensive to another user.
2. Copying commercial software in violation of copyright laws.
3. Using Internet computers for any illegal activity.
4. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt the system's performance.
5. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users.
6. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication.
7. Downloading, uploading, storing or printing files or messages that are profane, obscene or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.
8. Violation of software license agreements.
9. Disruptive behavior at any computer workstation by individuals or groups.

Violation of West Georgia Regional Library's Rules for Internet Computer Use may result in limitation or restriction of use.

The above listing is not all inclusive but includes the types of behavior or actions considered unacceptable by the West Georgia Regional Library System.

Approved by West Georgia Regional Library
Board of Trustees,
August 19, 1997

*Internet Safety Policy
Approved by West Georgia Regional Library
Board of Trustees,
May 14, 2002